Articles

Hanmi Handachi

by Ana Pérez-Leroux


Hanmi handachi is both a technique and an approach: nage sits on her knees, with feet underneath, much like in the seiza meditation posture, but resting on the toes, to allow for readiness of movement. When the attack comes, nage (the person who applies the technique) receives it and executes any of the standard defenses from that low position.     [Read more]

New Challenges

by Sheridan Torres


I started Aikido a few weeks back. When I first called the dojo to ask if I could get some information on the classes, I was just told to drop in and see for myself.     [Read more]

Aikido Lessons Learned: Power in small hands

"Tap, Daddy." I hear it every week; I help out in the kids' class and invariably wind up practicing with my daughter in her diligent practice of Aikido. Inevitably, I find myself in the awkward position of being calmly but firmly pinned to the ground by an 8 year old. I'm used to it now, but it always takes me by surprise.     [Read more]

Music and Aikido - The Way of Harmony

by Nicolai Tarasov


The musical process, as a human activity that unfolds in real-time, shares many similarities with sports and Aikido. Playing instruments, playing sports or practicing martial arts require years of training to build up technique, strength, coordination, endurance, speed, stamina and other abilities associated with physical performance. As well, a constant sharpening of nonphysical skills as concentration, awareness, and other aspects of mental and psychological training is required.    [Read more]

Hakama

by Ayumi Mito



Hakama is probably best known as traditional piece of samurai clothing and as a part of keikogi or training uniform worn in Japanese martial arts such as Kendo, Iaido, Kyudo, and Aikido.    [Read more]